Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

20 November 2024

Reading From Acts 13-14

“Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.”

–Acts 13:1-3

     Here in this passage of Acts we find an example of spiritual gifts in operation in the church gathered at Antioch.  Antioch is where we were first called Christians.  The prophets and teachers there were a diverse group.  It is possible that Lucius was of African descent as he was from Cyrene which is now Libya.  Herod the tetrarch was the ruler involved in the executions of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ and so Manaen, as he was a friend of Herod, would have been a prominent and probably influential citizen. 

     At any rate, these church members were prophesying and teaching in the local church.  It was while they were worshipping and fasting that the Holy Spirit spoke through them and gave direction for them to ordain Barnabas and Saul.  Practicing spiritual disciplines such as worship and fasting places followers of Jesus in a posture to hear from the Lord.  Fasting has a way of shifting our attention from the physical to the spiritual and praise directs our focus to God.  Faith opens the portal of communication with Him. 

     God sovereignly chooses how He will pour out the Spirit and enable His sons and daughters to function in spiritual gifts, but He intends these miraculous functions to happen as partnerships between Himself and His children.  God is sovereign and all-powerful, but He calls us to exercise faith, active shift our focus from the world to Him through spiritual disciplines, and yield to the movement of His Spirit.  He will not force us to do this.  We must choose to surrender.  The miracles we will see for His glory and our good have much to do with our posture before Him.

“Lord, I pray that You would increase the faith of Your children.  Help us to surrender more and more of our lives to Your control.  May we operate in Your strength, power and authority.  I pray that we would honor You in how we live our lives.  Fill us with Your love and help us to share that love with others.  As our faith increases and grows stronger, I pray that Your hand would be revealed in glorious ways.  Open the eyes of Your sons and daughters to the special gifts You’ve given them to function in.  As Your Spirit bless us with power and passion for ministry, I pray that we would not quench Him or squander His blessings.  Just as Barnabas and Paul were sent forth, may we be faithful to do Your will upon the Earth.”

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

–Romans 12:6-8